Professional Practice

Children: Depression

Rates of depression are at an all-time high in the United States, in adults and children. A number of things can contribute to a child suffering from depression, including a traumatic event like the death of a loved one. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that girls, especially as they enter adolescence, are at higher risk for depression than their male counterparts. Research has shown that suffering from depression is a major risk factor for suicide.How Nature Helps

While there is no specific research relating to children and depression, there is clear research for adults that shows that an individual's proximity to nature and access to green space has a direct relationship to their rates of depression.

Landscape architects are mindful of how important gardens, like the Chicago Botanic Garden, and green space can be for mental health by providing us a chance to connect to other living things.

They also design large parks in cities, like Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore, which provide kids places to play and explore outside in beautiful settings, which goes a long way in helping kids stay happy.